Stuart Hoffman
Stuart Hoffman
best combine couple final heard holiday increase november reports season seen since weeks
We've heard some disappointing reports about the final couple of weeks before the holidays, so we won't see as big of an increase in December, ... but when you combine November and December, this is about the best holiday season we've seen since 1999.
bond fed looking markets report seeing signs stock strength
The stock and bond markets are looking at the report and seeing the signs of strength, and they know the Fed is doing the same.
keeping wages
People's wages are going up, but they are not keeping up with inflation.
bit comfort core drew people
People drew some comfort in the smaller-than-expected core index, but I think the core is a bit deceptive.
building markets
There will be some uncertainty in the markets building up at the end of the year. There will be some jitters.
early economy following fourth percent roaring sees
The NABE panel sees the economy roaring back in early 2006 following the fourth quarter's tepid 1.1 percent growth.
adapting aggressive among benefits business care continued costs counter energy health higher increases interest mean next outlook owners prices profits results sales six stable steps taking
The results show a stable outlook among business owners for their own sales and profits during the next six months, which suggests they are adapting to higher energy prices and interest rates. Many, however, are taking aggressive steps to counter continued increases in costs for employees' health care coverage, which could mean reductions in benefits for some employees.
activity appears cool general moved output parts relatively report solid stronger summer unlike utility
The report is stronger than appears on the surface. Unlike other parts of the economy, manufacturing activity moved up, so I would say in general this is a pretty solid report. Utility output was down probably because of the relatively cool summer we had.
below economy fed federal funds likes number raise rate recognize report target weak
This is a very weak number and well below what everyone expected. It's not the kind of report the Fed likes to see, but I think they'll recognize that the economy is already rebounding and raise the federal funds target rate to 4.5 percent.
against ballgame bottom greenspan inflation line nearly
The bottom line is that Greenspan is in no way signaling that the Fed's tightening ballgame against inflation is nearly over.
bottom building conclude continued easy fed line pressure solid
The bottom line is it is a very solid report, but with continued inflationary pressure building up, it will make it easy for the Fed to conclude (Tuesday's meeting) with a quarter-point increase,
below consumers job kinds market numbers percent rate sign spending wage
An unemployment rate below 5 percent is a sign that the job market is getting tight. These kinds of job and wage numbers will keep consumers spending right into spring.
biggest captured center certainly energy increase prices stage
The CPI captured the center stage as it's the biggest one-month increase in 25 years, ... We certainly know why, with energy prices having skyrocketed.
clearly economic eye growth inflation main view worried
Clearly the Fed's main eye is on inflation. They are more worried about inflation because they view the setback to economic growth as temporary.